2014 NHL Draft: 5 Perfect Fits for Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have begun to reap the rewards of developing young talent added through the NHL draft.

Nazem Kadri, Morgan Rielly, Jerry D'Amigo, Carl Gunnarsson and James Reimer are Leafs draft picks that have been significant, to varying degrees, to the club's success this season.

Drafting smartly is a key way to put up the scaffolding in order for an organization to have long-term success. Given the high level of parity in the league, it's challenging to win multiple Stanley Cups in a short period of time.

The new measures of success are making the Stanley Cup playoffs consistently and going deep in the second season from time to time. While free agent signings and trading for players to meet specific needs still makes sense, great home-grown talent often marks the most successful NHL teams.

Unless they make a trade to move up, it appears that the Leafs will have a first-round pick in the 16 to 22 range, given their current standings.

Given that criterion, here are five players that are potentially great picks for the Leafs in the 2014 NHL draft.

5. Ivan Barbashev, Centre, Moncton Wildcats

Moncton Wildcats centre Ivan Barbashev has all the tools to be a top-six NHL centre. The 6'3" 185-pound pivot is a versatile player who has 46 points in 36 games this season after gaining 62 points last year.

Barbashev has also spent significant time on the wing so it would not be surprising to see him begin his career on the wing as he grows into a pro role. He has an edge to his game and is not afraid to work the puck down low.

The Leafs could use more skilled forwards in their system, and the ability to take the body regularly is an added bonus.

The talented Russian may not slip this low on draft day but he'd be a great fit with the Leafs.

3. Dylan Larkin, Centre, U.S. National Program

Centre Dylan Larkin has advanced hockey sense for his age. Combined with good size at 6'1" and 190 pounds, Larkin has the potential to be a great pro pivot.

Larkin is a gifted skater who can make skilled plays at high speed. There is every reason to think that Larkin can be a top-six NHL forward, although that is unlikely to happen in the next season or two.

He will be a lot younger than most of the draft-eligible players this June so expect him to continue to grow physically as his on-ice game matures. He makes things happen constantly in the offensive zone, which is a great asset for a centre.

2. Jake Virtanen, Right Wing, Calgary Hitmen

Jake Virtanen may go a lot higher than the middle of the first round, but if he doesn't, he would look very good in a Maple Leafs sweater in the future.

Virtanen has a ton of speed and can back away defenders as he blazes down the wing. He's got a great release and is not afraid to shoot the puck. He's got 48 points in 48 games this season.

The native of Abbotsford, British Columbia will not be 18 until next August, so much like Larkin, he has room to grow on a few levels. The 6-foot winger plays at both ends of the rink and enjoys the physical side of the game.

There is a lot of potential in this WHL star and he will only get better. He'd be a fan favourite in Toronto.